Week Calendar

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified? On the first and third Monday mornings of every month, from 10:00 a.m.

Drop in to get assistance with and ask questions about downloading library books to your computer and other devices, such as the Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android phones and tablets.

SHINE counselors provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers and those soon to be eligible.

Free unbiased counseling for Medicare from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

For Medicare appointments call the Elder Help Line at 1-866-413-5337 to request a referral to a SHINE Medicare Counselor.  

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

This computer-based genealogy course covers the following topics: why study genealogy; how to get started; what sources are available; and how to organize and present your research.

The Literacy Council of Sarasota - 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class

Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota.

Learn hands on iPad basics, internet browsing, downloading apps, how to take a photo and more! IPads are available for participants to use. If you bring your own iPad you will need an Apple ID.

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified? Homeowners can receive research-based lawn, landscape and pest management help from the University of Florida.

The Florida Department of Health of Sarasota County, Health in Motion staff will be on-site to provide no-cost health screenings and referrals for general health and wellness.

Sign Language program for children 0 - 2 1/2 years old. Learn with Beebo the Signing Bear using songs, books, and toys. Older siblings welcome.

This program is geared toward babies from newborn to age 2 ½ years. The 45 minute program includes songs, baby sign language, a book and playtime. Older siblings are welcome.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators.

Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Students who attend Part 1 will continue to research their family history on the second day in Part 2 during which the class instructor is available to answer questions and help the students in their research. Basic computer skills are required.

For people who want to improve their French speaking skills and enjoy reading French-language articles and discussing them. Come practice speaking the romantic language of French.

Enjoy interacting with your child by participating in early literacy activities that include music and movement, books, crafts, and educational activities.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

For mobile babies to 5 years old.

Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Learn to knit and crochet! All ages and skill levels welcome! Bring your own yarn and needles. Supplies provided for beginners.

Get into the adult coloring craze ! Join us for a fun and unique way to unwind, reduce stress, and express your creativity at the Shannon Staub Library. All supplies will be provided. Artistic talent is not required. Refreshments are included.

MUSIC FROM THE INSIDE OUT follows the lives of The Philadelphia Orchestra members both inside and outside the concert hall.

We will show excerpts with a discussion led by Phyllis Lowitt, MA.

Socrates Café are gatherings around the world where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the central theme of the Socratic method: that we learn more when we respectfully list

Come use our Adobe/ Mac software and sewing machines on your own personal projects. Time slots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Early literacy begins at birth. Bond with your baby through stories, songs, parachute time and peek-a-boo scarf songs.

For ages 0-2 years old.

Drop in and learn what the Button Maker is, how it works, and make a holiday button.

Come and socialize with fellow knitting, crocheting and sewing enthusiasts! All levels welcome. Bring your current project to work on.

 Ask Bob, our local Windows expert, any questions about your PC or Laptop.

Master Gardener Plant Clinic: Have experienced and trained gardeners answer your botanical questions from every first and third Thursday morning in study room C. 

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

The Great Books Discussion Group meets the 1st Thursday of each month, November through April. This group will be finishing reading selections from the Great Books Foundation's Great Conversations 4 and beginning Great Conversations 5.

Featuring great stories, singing, dancing, and movement activities young children learn valuable skills and enjoy being with other children.

For ages 2-4.

Interact and participate with your child in a variety of early literacy activities that include music, stories, movement, crafts and school readiness.  For children ages 0-5. 

Do you struggle with a way to squeeze in a your daily steps? Join librarians for a walk and chat. Let’s share what we are currently reading.

The instructor will cover information history and evolution plus our use of and dependency on information. Learn to protect computers to reduce risks from identity theft, phishing, viruses, impersonation and data ransoming.

The Literacy Council of Sarasota - 

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Class

Registration required through The Literacy Council of Sarasota.

Prescription Medication & Health Care Assistance for those that are uninsured and qualify financially.

Join American Sewing Guild teacher Kathy for an afternoon of machine sewing, sharing and creativity. Drop in with your works-in-progress or use our fabric stash and sewing books to start something new.

New to the Internet?

Weekly meeting of the Venice French Club. 

Learn about genealogy research through Ancestry, Heritage Quest, and other databases. Students need names, dates, and locations of people to be researched on the databases. Bring your own thumb drive for articles to be printed.

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Preschoolers, ages 2 ½ - 5 and their parent, guardian or caregiver are invited to join us for stories, songs, finger plays, rhymes, and crafts. There is a different theme every week.

The Life After Downton group meets to discuss British PBS programs, new films, and books along with a nice cup of tea. All are welcome to join.

Come use our Adobe/ Mac software and sewing machines on your own personal projects. Time slots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Drop-in breastfeeding support and education will be offered at no charge by a trained peer counselor from Healthy Start Coalition with the goal of increasing knowledge and awareness for mothers.

Stroll through our Reading Garden with your little one as YOU become the storyteller.

Enjoy a different book the first Saturday of every month!

Best suited for ages 7 and under, but all ages can participate.

Meet new friends and chat with other parents and caregivers while your kids play and read in the picture book area. Enjoy a place to chill after walking around the Downtown Farmers Market!

Practice speaking English! Sponsored by the Literacy Council of Sarasota. This is a intermediate level conversation group.

Come and join us in decorating a tree for our feathered friends. We will be supplying native materials for nest building and feasting. This program is for families with children. There is one tree provided per family.

Upa Yoga is a simple yet powerful set of ten practices that activate the joints, muscles, and energy system, bringing ease to the whole system.

This group is dedicated to young adults, aged 19 to 35, who wish to read, discuss and appreciate the great classics of western literature.

DUE TO LIBRARY CLOSURE, THIS EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT SHANNON STAUB LIBRARY FOR THE WEEKS OF 12/7/19 AND 1/4/20.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

Drop in for assistance using library technology including e-Books and audiobooks from Overdrive and the Cloud Library.

Weekly meeting of local chess enthusiasts. Join in the fun! Questions? Call Heather at 941-861-1273.

Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

For parents and babies ages birth to seven months old.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

Join us for a fun-filled morning of reading, songs, dancing, learning kindergarten readiness skills and craft activities.

For ages 4-6.

 "Venice as a Maritime Republic" - A great power of 15th c. Europe, Venice was symbolized by the Lion of St. Mark.

Enjoy special uninterrupted play time with your child in our drop-in FREE Partners In Play® (PIP) parenting education groups.

For mobile babies to 5 years old. Drop in to enjoy special play time with your child, meet our friendly Parenting Educators and discover how Forty Carrots Family Center can help you enjoy parenting even more.

Children 5 - 9 can drop into the Children's Department and work on a craft kit!

Ages 7-12. Each month has a new topic relating to Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math! Registration is required and light snack are served.

Enjoy books for all ages at amazing discounts through our FOL book sale and take a photo with our special guest, Mr. Grinch!

Come build, experiment, and create with our 3D printer, laser cutter, sewing machines, and more. Bring your own projects for development, prototyping, and production, or start something new working hands-on with our Creation Station equipment.

Learn how to make healthy food choices and prepare healthy meals for yourself, your family, and your friends!

*This session will focus on banana crumble, apple crisp, and chocolate banana pudding!*

Chess lovers meet and play chess with other chess lovers. All skill levels are welcome.

VPL patrons playing chess and teaching the game to others

Help with laptops, cell phones

Open time for questions, sharing solutions

Bring your device and library staff will try to answer your questions in an informal group setting.
 

Come get advice and help with how to use your electronic gadgets such as cell phones, tablets.  Meet at table in public area near the Reference Desk.  First come, first serve.

Socrates Café is a gathering where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange thoughtful ideas and experiences while embracing the central theme of Socratic method: we learn more when we respectfully listen to and debate ideas wit

Want to learn more about Florida-Friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified?

Want to learn more about Florida-friendly gardens, composting, or citrus trees? Need a plant or insect identified?

Want to learn more about using a computer or your device?

Sign up for your 30 minute session with one of our librarians.

Sessions are set up for Wednesdays starting at 1:00 pm.

Call 941-861-1360 to sign up.

Learn how to digitize 35mm, mounted slides, and 6x22 cm medium-format film. This program is a tutorial for the basic scanning and image editing process only.

Learn how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence when accessing electronic resources!

Learn what characteristics you or someone else might have based on their handwriting.  Please bring a handwriting sample of more than a couple of words such as a complete sentence or more.  

Join us on the first Thursday of the month to discuss our selection. Limited to 20 participants. Register at the Fruitville Reference Desk or call 941 861-2518

Sarasota County Extension Services Master Gardeners are here to help folks identify plants, flowers, etc. as well as care for them.  Get expert advice on your landscaping needs.

The 1-3 pm genealogy session requires previous training from the introductory class at 10 am - 12 pm.

On the first Friday afternoon of the month, watch a movie that is hosted by film professor Maryann Dahlen, who will invite the audience to discuss the movie after its showing.

Jack, The Computer Guy, will explain how your computer works and why it doesn't.

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Come hangout and play games in your Teen Room. Take your pick from video games and/or board games. All games are first come first serve.

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, play games, and more.

Come get into the holiday spirit when the Asolo Play Readers perform a stage reading of a radio show "A Twist of the Dial," featuring classic comedy sketches, such as "Green Christmas," "Life of Riley," and "Fibber Magee and Molly."

Drop in to get assistance with and ask questions about downloading library books to your computer and other devices, such as the Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android phones and tablets.

New movies every Tuesday in the meeting room. Movie schedules are published bimonthly and available at the front circulation desk. 

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, play games, and more.

literacy

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Drop in and learn what the Button Maker is, how it works, and make a holiday button.

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, play games, and more.

Learn how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence when accessing electronic resources! 

Come and join the book discussion group on the first Thursday of the month. A different book title is chosen every month to explore. This book club is sponsored by Friends of Gulf Gate Library.

For people who want to improve their Spanish speaking skills. Come practice your pronunciation and oral understanding through conversation and instruction of this romantic language. Everyone is welcome.

Drop in to get assistance with and ask questions about downloading library books to your computer and other devices, such as the Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android phones and tablets.

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, play games, and more.

Drop in any time between 2 to 4 p.m. on December 6 to make your own glitter ornament.  All ages welcome!  

One ornament per person.

While supplies last.

Meets every first and third Friday of the month.

Topics vary each session but always a lively science subject.

Come create, play, or just relax at the library after school.  Our Teen Room is open from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Teens in grades 6 through 12 are welcome to hang out, play games, and more.

Ages 5 and up. Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination. Creations will be on display in the youth area for one week following the programs.

Come to the teen room and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apples, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scrabble and more.

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Children are invited to read with certified pet therapy dogs. This program encourages conversation and develops reading and communication skills. The dogs love the attention and the kids love the interactions.

Come to the teen room and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apples, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scrabble and more.

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGOs, you provide the imagination.

Teens and tweens take over the Creation Station. Drop in to explore electronic music, digital design, sewing, podcasting and more. 

Drop in to get assistance with and ask questions about downloading library books to your computer and other devices, such as the Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPod, iPhone and Android phones and tablets.

Join us for an afternoon of strategy, friends and fun! Recommended for ages 8+. All skill levels welcome!

Learn how to use your device or get basic computer assistance.

One-on-one technology assistance moves you to confidence

when accessing electronic resources.

Come to the teen room and choose from a variety of board games like Apples to Apples, Balderdash, Uno, Scattergories, Scrabble and more.

Join us for our weekly board game night!  Choose from our collection or bring one of your own!

Work on your own creations or build as a team. We provide the LEGO, you provide the imagination. Duplo Blocks are available for younger children. Ages 2-12.

Learn to knit or crochet! All ages and skill levels welcome! It is recommended to bring your own yarn and needles. Instructor-supplied yarns remain with the instructor weekly until piece is completed.

Come use our Adobe/ Mac software and sewing machines on your own personal projects. Time slots are filled on a first-come-first-serve basis.

A different project every week!

Call or visit to find out what it is this week!

Ages 6+.

This group is great for teens who love creative writing. Some things that our meetings will cover include: designing characters, writing short stories (or even long ones!), poetry, plotlines, group projects, story prompts, games, and more!